CT Radiators of Brighton, East Sussex, is launching a new type of domestic radiator based around a clever ‘fin’ design not previously available for the home. The ‘Interlinking Lattice Fin Technology’ radiator (patent pending) – part heating implement, part example of stunning contemporary design - will be unveiled at the ‘100% Design’ exhibition, taking place on 18-21 September, 2008, at Earls Court, London.

After analysing the current market designs, Shane Mizra of CT Radiators developed a new fin technology ideal for use in the home, using his proprietary interlinking lattice fin technology.

The radiators come in seven different (as yet unnamed) designs and are aimed at architects, interior designers and private clients. Made in CT Radiators’ workshop in Fishers Gate, Brighton, using advanced welding and robot technology, they can be tailored to exact space and heating requirements and can also be vertical - which was previously inefficient with fin designs. All radiators will be available in mild steel and stainless steel. They are finished with a powder coating, in any colour.

The fin radiator is Shane’s own ‘pet’ project, on which he has been working for the past two years. Trained as a coded welder – the highest qualification in the field – Shane has combined the traditional 100 year old craft with modern 3D technology to create a contemporary product.

Shane Mizra says: “My designs have several advantages over standard fin radiators. For starters, 15% more heat is generated than by the closet fin rival, which is a clear advantage for those who care about their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the radiators operate efficiently in the vertical position and the technology is flexible enough to allow for some fine and funky bespoke designs. Combining the best of form and function, the radiators are an ideal adornment for any modern home.”

The cost of a basic fin design is £2,000.

The Spice Boy grinder, by Oliver Hemming, seems to be drawing attention. The original wooden version was created by the British designer in 2000, followed by the coloured, acrylic version in 2004. The coloured Spice Boy recently caught the eye of Emily Leppenwell at the Sunday Times and is a winner of the 2008 Red Dot Award for product design.

The Spice Boy is functional and versatile as well as being a bit of a looker. The wide bowl lets you easily fill with your chosen spices (anything smaller than a coffee bean) and the amazing ceramic ‘crushgrind’ mechanism won’t corrode (even if you use it for salt). Yes, you can use it for salt or pepper - but why not let your imagination run riot and create your own special spice mix?

The Spice Boy is available from Proleno for £24.95 and comes in white, blue, pink, red or black.

The Bugatti family Company was founded in 1923 in Lumezzane, Italy, to produce cutlery and household articles. Then every item was handmade, but that soon changed. The first die-casting machine to be used in the area was at the Bugatti factory in 1926. Always taking advantage of technological progress, the Bugatti brothers developed a new brass alloy, “Lega Bugatti”, in 1928. By 1930, their company had started the first chromated brass cutlery production and by the late forties Bugatti products were being sold throughout Europe and the US. In 1999 the company changed its name to Casa Bugatti.

Casa Bugatti presents a world of new emotions and feelings with extraordinary creativity that ranges from classic and refined style to the highest level of modern technological design. Our aim is to follow a natural evolution linking practical aspects to a contemporary lifestyle whilst offering an array of new ideas to choose from. By using a team of specialist designers, we offer a comprehensive range of products to suit all tastes. We want to stimulate your interest by continually creating original and interesting solutions to modern day life.

The designers include: Virgilio Bugatti (behind many of the current products, especially the best selling steel cutlery); Andreas Seegatz and Giuliana Corsini of starsmilano (designs include the Diva coffee maker and Volo toaster); Teseo Berghella, who teaches at the Art Direction and Furniture Design Master in Milan (designs include the Vulcano range of products); British designer Nick Munro (cutlery); Innocenzo Rifino and Lorenzo Ruggieri (Milla coffee maker and Uma scales).

Today Casa Bugatti is internationally renowned for products with unmistakable Italian style!

Tom Owen is an up and coming new designer, recently graduated from the University of Derby. His prototypical ‘One’ Bike is a new take on the fold-up commuter bike incorporating some unique features. Since all the dirty bits are tucked away when folded, there’s no risk of messing up that smart business suit. And for the more sedentary amongst us, it features an electric motor for power assist. It remains to be seen whether this striking design makes it to production, and then if it will do better than its predecessors. No doubt congestion charges could contribute to its success!

Redman (nicknamed the ‘hold-up’ for his submissive stance) is a product of the team at Conka Design that has captured the imagination of many people. With consideration for sustainability, the packaging of the Redman is made from recyclable cardboard - and includes a nifty cutout beermat! This sturdy chap can even open two bottles simultaneously (see the youtube video).
Conka Design was founded by Chris Facey, Daniel Ashman, Dave Poole and Mark Hodge, following the completion of their product design course at the University of Glamorgan. They undertake product design commissions from around the world as well as producing their own products. The team have further plans for the Redman, so you may see him undertaking household tasks other than bottle opening!

In the spring of 2006, Alessi, the Italian Design Factory, re-classified its large product range into three sub-brands. Quoting from the Alessi site:

Officina Alessi welcomes the most challenging and refined products with delicate elegance, often crowning projects by internationally renowned authors…
Alessi is the main and the most traditional brand, expressing quality, technology and design…
A di Alessi is comprised of magic forms, colours, and materials, products which are more accessible to a larger public at decisively lower prices, and always with the mark of excellence.

As a retailer or a consumer, I’m not sure the distinction helps me very much. I can see the A di Alessi branding - the fun and functional products like the Dozi hedgehog paperclip holder or Mr Cold, the drippy-nosed soap dispenser.

When it comes to the Alessi and Officina brands, however, I find it harder to make the distinction. Where do those design classics, such as the Juicy Salif or Michael Graves’ Bird-Whistle kettle belong?

Ultimately it doesn’t really matter. Alessi products across all the sub-brands share the same attention to detail and design aesthetic. With so many products there’s sure to be something for everyone to love!